Salvadore “Sal” M. Hernández is a Public Health professional with the Texas Department of State Health Services (formerly the Texas Department of Health), Public Health Region 8, and is headquartered in San Antonio.

Hernández received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The University of Texas at San Antonio in 1984, and, in 1990, a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Community Health and Environmental Health, from The University of Texas School of Public Health. He has been a Registered Professional Sanitarian since 1989.

Hernández has more than 20 years of public health experience in the private and public sector. Prior to entering public service, he worked in the food production industry. From 1988 to 1994, he worked for the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District as a Sanitarian, Health Program Coordinator, Program Supervisor and Program Manager.

Hernández joined the Texas Department of Health in 1994 as Chief Sanitarian in the Office of Border Health along the Texas-Mexico border. As Program Administrator for the state health department beginning in 1996, his responsibilities included coordinating the delivery and administration of over 35 public health programs to 28 South/Central Texas counties. He continues his public service by working with governmental bodies, health care agencies and the citizens of the region.

Hernández continues to be active in his community through his work with civic and professional organizations and appointments to local, regional and statewide committees and boards.

He has two daughters, Veronica Lorraine and Debra Jean.